Shell-fuse.



No. 812,046. PATBNTBD FEB. 6, 1906.

W. M. KERSHAW.

" SHELL FUSE.

APPLICATION FILED Nov.11, 1904.

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lnuenroz @w m n Y Chiot/nua annum m uw: www n c PATENTED PEB. 6, 1906.

W. M. KERSHAW.

SHELL FUSE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.11, 1904.

M Y attenua,

UNITED s'rArEs PATENT oFrIon.

WILLIAM M. KERSHAW, OFWASHINGTON, DISTRICT'QF COLUMBIA. SHELL-FUSE.

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' Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. e, 190e.

Appiiaan filed November 11,1904. serial No. 232,341.

. T all wwnt it 11m/y concern/ j Be itfknown that LVVILLIAM M. KERSHAW, a citizen of the, United States, residing at lWashington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain new and useful Ianprovements in Shell-Fuses; and l do hereby, declare the follcwinv to be a full, clear, and exact description o1 the invention, such as will enable others skilled inthe art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates in general to shellfuses, but more -particularly to that type of .fuse commonly known as time-fuses,

wherein the shell in which the fuse is placed exploded at a predetermined time fand the invention consists, first, in plpviding a suitable stock and arranging therein an automatically-traveling powder-magazine, a

- chemicallyactuated eject-or, and a fixed powder-magazine, said xed magazine being adapted to be fired by the flame from the exploded powder chargeof the gun and cause the ejector to' dischar e a projectile a ainst a locking mechanism, a so arranged wit n the stock, to release the traveling magazine; second, inl rovidin the traveling magazine with a mec anism t at willcause said traveling magazine to automatically travel at any desired speed; third, in providingmeans to regulate the travel or movement ofthe traveling magazine, and", fourth, in providing a powder-containing chamber adapted to be eX- ploded by the flame from the traveling magazine to cause the explosion of the shel The invention further consists of the peculiar arrangement of the several parts and their novel combination, as will be hereinafter fully described in this specification and briefly stated in the claims.

The prime objects of the invention are' tov provide a fuse of the type mentioned' that can be safely vhandled without endangering the lives of persons handling them and which -will operate'with certainty to cause -an eX- plosion of the shell to which it is afliXed inany desired length of time.

Further objects of vthe invention will become apparent upon a more detailed descrip- .c tion thereof.v

.sectional view o i i vthe parts 1n. inoperatin o. safe position;

In the drawin s, Figure 1 is alongitudinal fg my improved fuse, showing Fig. 2, a similar view of t e stock; Fig. 3, a lonitudina'l sectional view of the traveling magajzine and the attached devices for causing int'to move automatically Fig. 4, a longitudinal FReferring to the several views, the numeral 1 indicates the stock, which is provided with the usual screw-threads, by means of which itis adapted to be screwed into the breech ofthe shell or projectile.' Thestock is suitablybored to provide chambers 2, 3, and

4, a partition 5 being arraiged `between the chambers 3 and 4. The partition 5 is provided with a central aperture 7 for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. The chamber 2 vis preferably divided into threecompartments 8, 9, and 10 by wings or partitions 11, radiating from a central post 12,. having f l a hub 6,'Fig. 8, and said chamber will be here# inafter referred to as a fixed magazine. The ost for a portion of its length 1s rovidedpwith a central passage 13, a fringole 14 affording communicatiorf'between said passage and the compartment' 10.` The compartments 9 and 8 are in djiinunication with compartment 10 by meansl` of firing-holes 15 in the wings 11, which separate compartment 9 from compartment 8 and com artment 10 from compartment' 9, respective y, as shown in Figs. 1 and 7 The outer end of the chamber 2 is closed by a tightly-fitting disk- 1 6, which has a recess 1.7 in its inner face and is provided with a central aperture 18. The

aperture 18 is closed by a flanged protectingplu 19, which is inserted from the inner face' of t e disk and fastened in the aperture 'by setting the flange, as'shown in Fig. 1.

u Vllgith the disk and protectinglugin posiv tion the magazine 2 is perfect y protected IOO against moisture and accidental contact 'yi/ith e. It will be obvious that insteadof dividing the' magazine-chamber 2 into severalrcompartments it may consist of a single chamber;-

but where a longer time is required before the time mechanism is set into operation the divided magazine is preferred.

The outer or rear face of'the fixed magazne is providedl with a recess 20, which is in communication'with the compartment 10 by means of a firing-hole 21. (See Fig, 7 The fixed magazine is charged with slow-burning powder, and a pellet of powder may be placed in the recess 20.

Fitted or seated in the chamber 3 is an ejector 22., having its closed end provided 'with a ring-hole 23, communicating with the passage 13 in the post 12. The ejector 22 is preferably char ed with grain powder and'has iitted in its orwardor open end a projectile or bullet 24, said projectile having a firing-hole 25, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

rlhepartition 5 is provided on its front or inner face with op ositelydisposed slots 26 26, Fig. 2, in whc are adapted .to fit or be seated engaging lugs 27 27, Fig. 1, secured to one end of a coil-spring 28, the other end of the coil-s ring -being provided with similar engaging ugs 29 29, which are adapted to fit into or be seated in oppositely-disposed slots 3() 30 in the rear end of a traveling magazine 31, which is charged with a slow-burning powder. The rear end of the traveling magazine is provided with a stem 32, having a longitudinal passage orvfiring-hole 33, communicating with said magazine. Loosely mounted on the stem 32 is a spring-pressed locking-sleeve 34, which is slidably secured on said stem by means of a slot 35 in the sleeve and a pin 36in the stem. The sleeve and steml rojecti through the coil-spring, and the end ofp the sleeve is provided with two oppositely-disposed lugs a a, which are adapted to engage the slots 26 and through the torsional action of said coil-spring when compressed serve to lock the traveling magazine against accidental release or disengagement.

, vThe inner surface or wall of the chamber 4 is provided with screw-threads 37, and the outer surface of the traveling magazine is provided with screw-threads 38, adapted to fit the screw-threads 37 The screw-threads 37 and 38 are preferably about fourl to the inch and serve to assist in holding the traveling magazine in its locked position' and also to prevent a too rapid initial movement' of said magazine when released to the action of the coilfs ring. The forward or open end of the trave ing magazine is closed by a bonnet 39, which is screwed into said open end and provided With rin -channels 39. The bonnet is provided wit a socketed stem 40, and swiveledin the socketed stem is a stem 41 of a cup-Washer'or valve 42. Secured to the cup-washer 42 in an inverted position is a second cup-washer or valve 43, the connection being made by means vof a screw 44, screwed into the stem 41, as shown yin Fig. 3. The cup-Washers are inclosed in an air-cylinder 45, which has one end fitted into the inner en d ofthe stock and the other end fitted over a boss or hub 46 and against the shoulders 47 of an airA-valve48, the cup-washers serving to cushion the air to cause the traveling magazine to move at a uniform rate of speed and the air-valve serving to control the rate of speed.

The travelingmagazine, coil-spring, and cup-Washers constitute the time mechanism.

The air-cylinder is inclosed in a tubular extension 49, `which has one side screwed onto the inner end ofthe stock, the other end being closed by vthe airvalve, which is screwed therein. The diameter of the extension-tube is somewhat greater than that of the air-cylinder, so as to providefa primerchamber 50, surrounding said air-cylinder. The air-cylinder is provided with one or more apertures 51 to provide communication with the primer-chamber for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. The air-valve is provided with a suitable valve-chamber 52, having a conical seat 53, and the air-cylinder is in communication with the valve chamber by means of a small port 54, which is adapted to be closed by a conical valve 55, screwing into the valve-chamber, the Wall of said chamber being also screw-threaded. Attached to the outer end of the valve is an indicator 56, which is slidable on said valve by means of one or more lugs 57, projecting into longitudinal slots 5S 58 in the valve, a set-screw nut 59 being employed to secure the indicator in any adjusted position.v The indicator is provided with a flange 60, on which are Iplaced graduated marks 61, running from zero up to any desired number, whereby the time mechanism may be set to explode a shell in a redetermined time. Leading from the va vechamber are one or more air vents 62, through which the air from the air-cylinder may be permitted to escape during the time the time mechanism is operating.

When the several parts of my improved fuse .are assembled in the position shown in Fig. 1 and the several magazines charged with the grades of powder heretofore mentioned, the indicator may be set to indicate the length of time in which it is desired to have the shell explode. Whenvplaced in a gun and fired, the explosive force of the gun charge will-force inthe protecting-plug 19 and allow the flame to ignite the slow-burning powder in the fixed magazine, the flame passing through the 'aperture 21, into the powder-charged compartment 10, and thence to the powder-charged compartments 9 and 8 by way of the firing-holes 15. From compartment 8 the flame passes through firinghole 14 into the. passage 13, and thence through firing-hole 23, igniting the charge 1n the ejector 22 and causing the discharge of the projectile 24 against the lugs a a on the spring-pressed locking-sleeve 34, disengagmg said sleeve from its vlockedengagement with the slots 26 in the partition 5 and freeing the traveling magazine to the expansive action of thel coil-spring 28, At the time the PIO- jectile is fired from the ejector 22 the flame IOO passes through the firing-hole in said projectile and through firing-hole 33 in .the sternA 32 and. ignites the charge rin said traveling magazine. As the time mechanism .travels forward the air in the air-cylinder is being expelled through the valve and out through `the vents 62. .When the time limit is reached,-

the cupwashers will have passed'beyond the .apertures 51, and the powder in the chamber 50, some of which drops or sifts through the apertures into the air-cylinderfwill b'e ig- Iiited by the flame from the chargeA in the vtraveling magazine passing through the firtube 49 and explodes the 'charge in the shell.

Yarious modi'lications or-changes in the detail construction of my invention may. be

made without limiting the scope thereof, andA it will be obvious that any siiitabfe liquid, such as mercury, may be used in the place of fair in the air-cylinder.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a normally restrained time mechanism, a fixed magazine, and. means fired by the charge in the fixed magazine to release the time mechanism.

' 2. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock of a normally restrained time mechanism, a fixed magazine, means fired by the charge in the fixed magazine to release the time mechanism, and means for regulating the speed of travel of said time mechanism. f A

3. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a fixed magazine, a normally restrained time mechanism, and an ejector for releasing said time mechanism.

4. In a shell-lusc, the combination with a suitable stock, of a iixed magazine, a normally restrained time mechanism, an ejec tor'for releasing said time mechanism, and means for regulating the speed of' travel of the time mechanism..

5. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a normally restrained time mechanism, a :fixed magazine, means fired by the charge in the fixed magazine to release the time mechanism, and a valve for regulating the speed of travel of vsaid time mechanism.

6. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a fixed magazine, a nor- `mallyl restrained time mechanism, an ejector for releasing said time mechanism, and a valve for regulating the speed of travel of the time mechanism.

7. Ina shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a fixed magazine, a nor-- mally restrained travelin `magazine, means for releasing said"trel ,fi-immagine. and

means for causing the traveling magazine to move at a uniform rate of speed.

8. In a shell-fuse, the combination with. a f

suitable stock, of a fixed magazine, a nor-y mally` restrained traveling magazine,"means for releasing said travelinggmagazine, andl cup-washers or valves adapted to cause the' traveling magazine tJ travel or move ata uniform `rate of speed. t' z 9: In a shell-fuse, the-combination with a suitable stock, of a. fixed magazine, anormally restrained traveling magazine, means`r for releasing said travelin magazine,[and:-

cup-washers orvalves attac ed to the travel#v ing magazine; and 'ad apted f o cause the same! to move at a uniform rate of speed. t

10. In a'shell-fuse, the,combina,tion,with'al "i mally restrained traveling magazine, -means for releasing said traveling magazine, cup- .suitable stock, of a fixed magazine, a nor-k,

washers or valves adapted to cause the travf eling magazine to move ata unifo-rmrate of speed, and means for controlling the speed.

11. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a fixed magazine,v a normally restrained traveling magazine, means for releasing said travelin ma azine, cupwashers or valvesswivele to't e traveling,

magazine, and an air-valve for controlling the speed of said traveling magazine.

12. In a time-fuse, thecombination with a movable magazine, of an air-cushioning device, whereby the said magazine is caused to move at a uniform rate of speed. y

13. In a time-fuse, the combination with a movable magazine, of an air-cushioning device, whereby the said magazine is caused to move at a uniform ratev of speed, and means for controlling the speed,

14. In a time-fuse, the combination with a movable magazine, of an air-cushioning device ada ted to cause said magazine to ymove at a uni orm rate of speed, and an air-valvel for rgulating the escape of air to control the s ee F15. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a fixed magazine, av normally restrained traveling magazine, anejector adapted to release said traveling magazine, and an air-cushioningdevice, adapted to cause the travelin magazine -to move at a uniform rate of s 'eer v 16,- In -a shellse, the-combination with a lsuitable stock, of a fixed magazine, a normally restrained traveling magazine, a ow-` der-containing ejector adapted to r e ease said traveling magazine, an air-cushioning IIO reo

device, adapted tolcause the traveling ma'ga- I zine to move at a uniform rate of speed, and a valve for controlling the speed.

17. In a time-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a time l mechanism composed of a'springgptuated traveling magazine having a loc g-sleeve at one endland an' air-cushioning device at the other end.

18.- In a time-fuse, the combination with ai suitable stock, of a spring-actuated traveln ma azine havin a locking-sleeve at one en an an. air-cus 'oning deviceat the other end,I and means for vcontrolling the rate of speed ofsaid .traveling magazine.

19. In a shellfuse, the combination with a suitable stock,l of a normally restrained 4time mechanism, a fixed ma azine, means iired by lIO " in the ixed magazine torelease t the charge in the fixe magazine to release said-time; mechanism, and a primer-chambervsurrounding the air-cylinder.

20. In a shell-,fusa the combination with a suitable stock, of va normally restrained time mechanism, a fixed ma azine, means red by the charge in the xe magazine to release said time mechanism, a cylinder inclosing the time mechanism, and a primer-chamber surroundin said cylinder and in communication therewit 21. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a ixed magazine, a springactuated traveling magazine, adapted to be normally restrained, means for releasing said traveling magazine, means for ca usin the traveling magazine to move at a umform rate of speed, a primerechamber, and means for controlling the speed of said traveling magazine.

22. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a traveling ma azine, a -ixedm'agazina and means iired by t e chargee traveling magazine.

air-cushioning device carried by the travel-v ing magazine, and means fired by the charge `in the iixed magazine to release said traveling magazine.

25. In a shell-fuse, the combination With a suitable stock, of a traveling magazine, means Y for normally holding the traveling magazine against movement, la fixed ma azine, means fired by the charge in the fixe( magazine to release said holding means and release said traveling magazine.

. 26. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a suitable stock, of a traveling magazine, means for normally holding the traveling magazine against movement, a l'ixed magazine, an aircushioning device attached to said traveling magazine, and means fired by the charge in the 'fixed magazine to release said holding means and thereby release the traveling magazine.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

WILLIAM M. KE RSHAVV Witnesses:

'SIGMUND J. BLOCK,

Unas. C. LOVE. 

